Korea, the Catholic minister of unification, “Peace is at hand”

61-year-old Cho Myoung-Gyon, head of the Department for Relations with the North, describes Korea's new era of dialogue and cultural exchange, and counts on religions to build harmony

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Pubblicato il
26/08/2018

Ultima modifica il 28/08/2018 alle ore 13:13

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Alongside honest political action and the work of men of good will, there is a "hand from above", the grace of God that changes the hearts of men and women: this is the conviction of the Catholic Cho Myoung-Gyon, minister of unification in the government of Seoul, led by another Catholic, President Moon Jae-in. The latter has come to the fore at world level for promoting concrete progress in the peaceful relationship between North and South Korea and for helping to organize the historic summit in Panmunjom, but also the one between Donald Trump and Kim Jung-un in Singapore.

Although sometimes shielded, the enthusiasm that is felt in government circles in South Korea is palpable. However, oriental wisdom and moderation, in a country rooted in Confucian culture, suggest prudence and gradualness. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the "Korea Foundation", that deals with cultural exchanges and initiatives, the process of rapprochement between Seoul and Pyongyang is now considered irreversible. A real political reunification of the peninsula, however, is not a short-term project: it can only be the result of a slow and constant path of good relations, must "start from the bottom", and thus not be an act imposed by leaders.

To talk about these issues, thanks to the "efficient offices" of the Korea Foundation, 61-year-old Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon, who has been working with the North for at least 40 years, gave Vatican Insider this interview.

What exactly does the South Korean Ministry of Unification do?

"It is a Department established in 1969 to manage institutionally issues relating to relations with the North towards a possible unification. We are involved in social and cultural exchanges, humanitarian assistance, cooperation projects and joint initiatives in the private sector, always with the aim of increasing contacts and improving understanding between the two Koreas. Under our jurisdiction there is the great inter-Korean economic cooperation project that gave birth to the Gaeseong industrial complex, open until February 2016, or also the tourist initiative of Mount Geumgang Tour, in North Korea, suspended in 2008. We are currently following North Korea's denuclearisation process, but also the implementation of new joint economic initiatives".

After the two summits of Panmunjeom and Singapore, can you describe how your work changed?

"Compared to last year, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has changed significantly. After tensions, nuclear tests and the international community’s sanctions against the North, a new era of peace has begun this year, thanks to the two above mentioned summits. The Ministry is now committed to implementing the agreements of the Panmunjeom "Declaration", adopted on 27 April, in the framework of promoting mutual trust, suspending propaganda activities along the military demarcation line and restoring a communication channel. Inter-Korean sports cooperation has officially resumed, as has the reuniting of families separated from the border. In addition, we intend to modernize rail and inter-Korean roads. We are striving to put an end to the hostilities between the South and the North, to launch in practice a new era of peace and prosperity on the peninsula. To create renewed trust through exchange and cooperation, based on dialogue: this is the key mission that we pursue".

Is it possible to outline a sort of road-map for the reconciliation process?

"65 years have passed since the division of the Korean peninsula. During this period, the population of the South and that of the North have gradually drifted away and mutual hostility and mistrust have arisen. Today, the necessary steps for reconciliation are clear: first of all, the state of war must be officially and definitively overcome (after the Korean War in 1950-1953, an armistice is still in force, ed). By living in peace and through mutual recognition, without threatening each other, it will be possible to restore national homogeneity and the awareness of being a single community, one single people. A new permanent liaison office between the two Koreas must be set up and measures taken to improve inter-Korean relations, such as economic and cultural exchanges. Of course, these steps go hand in hand with the process of denuclearisation in the North. It will not be easy and difficulties may arise. However, I am confident that the South and the North will be able to achieve genuine reconciliation”.

In your opinion, what is the contribution that the Catholic Church and other religious communities can make to reconciliation?

"The citizens of the Korean peninsula lived as a single community for 5 thousand years and were divided during the "Cold War" only in the twentieth century. Now this ideological clash is over too. In this historical phase, all religious communities, including the Catholic Church, can take the initiative to improve inter-Korean relations through religious exchanges, spiritual and solidarity initiatives, so that the two Koreas can move from fearing war to coexistence and harmony. Religions can help build peace on the Korean Peninsula and be a source of new hope for people who have suffered from the conflict”.

As a Catholic, how does your faith in public service affect you?

"As a believer, I know that I am unable to resolve on my own the complex issue of inter-Korean relations and implement new policies for peace and prosperity. The grace of God is always present in my work and supports me. Faith in Christ Jesus is a source of inspiration and strength. On the other hand, in this work of building the common good, I feel the support of all the faithful of the world: the prayers of Catholics and those of the Pope are for me a strong and continuous encouragement in carrying forward the delicate role of Minister of Unification in the South Korean government".